Manjunath J

Working on a CARB-X-funded project developing antibacterial peptide cocktails - Klebicins. Performing downstream purification of recombinant proteins from bacterial expression systems, including pellet handling, cell lysis, chromatography load preparation, and ion exchange chromatography. Executing Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) for protein concentration, diafiltration, and buffer exchange during purification. Evaluating protein expression, purity, and molecular weight using SDS-PAGE

Performed genomic DNA extraction from clinical samples (blood and saliva) for molecular diagnostics, pharmacogenetic testing, and genomics workflows. Conducted PCR amplification for the detection and analysis of target genetic variants. Purified PCR amplicons for sequencing, and analyzed sequencing chromatogram data using Chromas and interpreted genetic variants using the NCBI SNP database. Assisted in optimizing laboratory workflows for a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) diagnostic product. Maintained laboratory documentation and ensured proper handling of clinical samples and reagents.

Worked on the project "Targeted Isolation of Bacteriophages against Uropathogenic E.coli (700928). Maintained and propagated UPEC cultures by sub-culturing bacterial isolates onto fresh media under aseptic conditions. Isolated and purified bacteriophages using enrichment and plaque assay techniques. Characterized phage activity using spot tests, double agar overlays, and lytic range analysis, and also checked the thermostability and pH stability of phages.

Worked on the "Antibacterial Resistance Stewardship" project. Isolation of Bacteriophages from Sewage Treatment Plant of JSS Hospital, Mysuru. Worked on the project "Synergistic Effects of Silver Nanoparticles and Bacteriophages Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii"

Worked on the project "Detection of Carbapenem-resistant genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae by PCR method" Isolated bacterial genomic DNA from clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Designed and validated primers specific for carbapenem-resistance genes (e.g., blaKPC, blaOXA, blaNDM). Performed PCR for gene detection and optimized reaction conditions for specific amplification. Analyzed gel electrophoresis results to identify gene presence and confirm resistance patterns.

Assisted in various biochemical assays, in the Clincal Biochemistry lab, KIMS Hospital. Learnt to operate COBAS e411 and COBAS c311

Attended a Research Camp organised by TIFR Mumbai and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science and Education, completed a mini project on "Isolation of bio-luminescent bacteria from Indian Squid"